[Various Snakes and Orchids]. TAB. LXXXIII. [from] Locupletissimi Rerum Naturalium Thesauri. por SEBA, Albertus

Amsterdam: J. Wetstenium & Gul Smith, & Janssonio-Waesbergios. 1735.. Double-page copper engraving. Overall paper size 50 x 60cm. Image size 43 x 54cm. Figures: 1: India snake; 2: Ceylon snake; 3: Orchis; 4: Orchid; 5: Wood Sorrel; 6: Laurel. Very good condition. Seba, the son of a Frisian peasant, was an apothecary who became rich in the service of the Dutch East India Company. Described as a 'prototypical collector' of natural curiosities and exotic species, his collections ranged from the beautiful to the obscure, including birds, reptiles, lizards and snakes, butterflies and other insects, shells and exotic sea life, unusual mammals such as bats and anteaters, as well as exotic plants. His collection also included some fantasy animals, intended to attract attention and interest, such as a seven-headed hydra.